Stillorgan: Anger over slow progress on future of Glenalbyn pool

stillorgan

Anger is growing over the slow progress is being made in relation to the future of Glenalbyn swimming pool.

The Stillorgan pool has remained closed since December 2013, because of safety concerns over its roof.

A Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council (DLRCoCo) report into its future was published last February, and a working group was set up to look at four possible options.

There are six councillors in the group but they have only met twice so far.

"I am quite frustrated at the length of time it has taken to get this far. The pool closed in late 2013 and the newly-formed ad-hoc working group only met for the first time in March 2015," said Independent councillor Deirdre Donnelly, a member of the working group.

The six councillors met again last Monday, but discussions are to remain private until a final decision has been made.

Last February's Council report stated that the pool may never reopen because it found that the population in the area is not young enough.

frustration

The report put forward four options for the pool, including building another pool elsewhere. Another option is for the pool to be rebuilt at a cost of €10m at the current site. However, the council report said it was unlikely that this would "recognise emerging demographics" in the area.

Cllr Donnelly said there is frustration amongst residents about the closure of the pool.

"My son's school is in Stillorgan and they are one of many schools and organisations that have nowhere to go for lessons. Each week, I am contacted by constituents and clubs asking me when a new pool will be rebuilt," Cllr Donnelly said.

A public meeting took place in February and now a petition to save the pool has received more than 1,000 signatures. Another meeting is planned and car stickers are being printed to raise awareness about the pool.

A spokeswoman for DLRCoCo said the refurbishment of the pool is still an option.

"This group, which had its initial meeting on March 9, 2015, is considering a number of options including the refurbishment of the existing pool.

"Once the working group has investigated the options and makes its recommendations, it will be a matter for the council to decide on Glenalbyn's future," she said.